NEW BOOKS

AROUND HOME : The Timber-Frame Home: Design, Construction, Finishing

THE AUTHOR IS a builder with years of timber-framing experience, but he broadened his scope for this book to integrate all elements of new-home construction, including history of timber framing, design and insulation as well as building techniques. The photos and diagrams are useful to any non-builder contemplating construction or remodeling. The design chapter is first-rate, the color photos are handsome, and the technical information is rendered in thorough but understandable prose. ($24.95)